General Motors will invest $133 million to add a third stamping press to its Wentzville, Missouri, assembly and stamping plant as the company prepares to reintroduce its Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon midsize pickups.
GM will build and equip a 114,000-square-foot stamping plant addition to make manufacturing more flexible at the site. Construction will begin in July, and GM expects the press to be operational by early 2015.
This investment adds to the $380-million investment GM announced in November 2011 to prepare the plant for midsize pickup production. Wentzville also is the home for GM’s full-size vans – the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana.
“Our investment in a third stamping press is a win for the business, Wentzville employees and our customers,” said Larry Zahner, manufacturing manager, GM North America. “Stamping parts where we assemble vehicles improves manufacturing efficiency and contributes to the high level of quality our customers deserve.”
Wentzville Assembly employs approximately 2,000 employees across two shifts. The new press will increase the plant’s capacity in stamping fenders, doors and other key components for the new pickups and full-size vans.